 No matter where you are in the city, or what atmosphere you’re looking for, delicious sushi is right around the corner.
Tsunami
Large, quiet restaurant, trendy without making you feel like you don’t belong. Tsunami features Delaware Bay Oysters – as an appetizer, try the Kaki fried oysters. It’ll give you a little something to stick to your ribs besides sushi. Mai-Tais are strong, service is exceptional.
Kikuya
The place to go for sushi in Hyde Park. Eases ordering with grouped Sushi Entrees, listing specific numbers and types. Easily navigable a la carte menu, and the combinations are sure to leave you feeling full. Try the Sushi A combo – ten pieces featuring all kinds of fish and veggies.
Itto Sushi
No muss, no fuss – the focus is on the food. If your friends want sushi but you want something a little more substantial, dig into the Chicken Deluxe Combo – cucumber salad, tempura shrimp, kushihatsu (fried pork on a stick), a selection of sushi and sashimi, and of course, the house chicken teriyaki – all white meat, of course. For someone looking for an honest bite, not a place to be seen.
Kyoto
If you’re used to prowling Lincoln Ave. at Fullerton, you may have never noticed this diamond in the rough. Typical sushi restaurant design, Kyoto makes the most of its space. Try one of the house specialties – the Dynamite Roll, with salmon and scallops. It’s one of those rolls that tastes like sushi, not just raw fish, not like sauce. Finish it off with the just sweet enough green tea ice cream.
Sushi Wabi
Tranquil atmosphere for probably being an old warehouse, with clear views of the sushi bar where you can watch chefs who really love their jobs. Small, great for lunch if you work around there. Want something warm? The pepper-crusted Ahi Tuna is phenomenal – light pan-searing brings out the true flavor of the fish. The restaurant is closed between 2:00 and 5:00 PM on weekdays
Triad
More lounge than restaurant, expect sumptuous red lighting and plush seating. Try something other than regular Nigiri; their innovative rolls rock more than typical seaweed wraps. If you never thought you’d see Italian food offered at a sushi bar, try the Hotate Italiano – pan-seared scallops and spicy mayo wrapped in prosciutto.
Sushi Samba Rio
No sushi guide would be complete without mentioning the national Japanese-Brazilian-Peruvian spectacle. Bright colors, compelling architecture and an interesting restroom situation make this restaurant a Cirque du Sushi. Pair your maki rolls with creamy, purple Peruvian mashed potatoes.
Kamehachi Café
If you find yourself near the Sears Tower, you’ve got to visit the smaller, more portable cousin of River North’s Kamehachi. Tucked away in an almost secret location, the atmosphere of this food court gem is worth the trip even if the food wasn’t as good as it actually is. The café is all carry-out, quickly prepared, and offers sushi a la carte as well as hot entrees. Take your Kamehachi Roll – inside-out tuna, avacado and cucumber rolled in masago – and sit by the giant palm trees in the building’s atrium.
Papajin
Industrial hip, this favorite serves up Chinese cuisine and sushi at Wicker Park’s biggest intersection. Sparse and stylish, with touches of soft comfort. Veggie-philes will love the Fried Bean Curd and Veggies. Want to get your roll on? Try a Chicago Maki Roll – salmon, tuna, yellowtail and avacado. A little be it everything, hence the name.
Coast
This uber-hip sushi experience is as good for people watching as it is for sushi eating. A refreshing take on raw fish and rice – the Ceviche Maki. Lime-marinated scallop, shrimp , octopus, mango, jalapeno and cilantro. It’s BYOB… can you bring your own margaritas?
Rise
Spacious yet romantic, a welcome change for Southport. Need to kick-start your evening? A sake-tini should get things going.
Matsuyama
Take a trip on the Red Line and take your taste buds out to Matsuyama. Treat them to the White Dragon Roll – super white tuna, shrimp tempura, yellow tobiko (flying fish roe), cucumber and avacado. Pairing raw fish with tempura results in an appealing mix of tastes and textures.
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